Residents of the border area of Mkanda, located between Tanzania and Mozambique in the Ruvuma region, have declared their full cooperation with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in the fight against smuggling.
The meeting was part of TRA's outreach initiative to inform border communities about tax compliance, the dangers of smuggling and proper procedures for importing goods. The meeting also served as a platform for officials to discuss the problems and opinions of local residents. By strengthening the link between society and tax authorities, TRA aims to protect public health, ensure that only goods that meet quality standards are imported into the country, and increase government revenues through legal trade.
The chairman of the government of the Mkend Kivukoni village in Nakawala praised the TRA for its direct involvement, noting that the education provided has clarified the legal trade processes for many residents. He noted that the community now has a better understanding of how smuggling undermines both the national economy and public health, and highlighted the residents' newfound commitment to supporting national development through legitimate business practices.
TRA officials stressed that smuggling deprives the government of substantial revenues for development projects and puts citizens at risk of purchasing unsafe, substandard products. They urged residents to remain vigilant and report illegal activities at the border. The Office stressed that ongoing dialogue is vital to build trust and encourage voluntary compliance with tax legislation, confirming that this outreach programme will continue as part of its broader strategy to tackle illicit trade.